Iraqi protesters opposed to a migrant returns deal with the UK chased their prime minister’s car down the road as it left Downing Street.
Sir Keir Starmer and his counterpart, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, were expected to begin talks on a “bespoke returns agreement” between Britain and Iraq as they met at No 10 on Tuesday (January 14).
Ahead of the meeting, Sir Keir said the deal would help to “dismantle” people-smuggling gangs with links to Iraq.
As the Iraqi leader arrived in Downing Street and shook hands with Sir Keir, a group could be heard chanting outside its gates. One person could be heard shouting: “Are you gambling with our lives?”
When Mr Sudani’s car left Downing Street the protesters began chanting again, with one seen throwing a projectile at one of the vehicles in his convoy, though it appeared to miss.
The group then chased the vehicles as they drove down Whitehall. Police officers pursued them down the central London street, restraining them as they attempted to follow the cars. The group stopped as the cars made away and eventually left after speaking with the police.
One of the protesters identified themselves as members opposed to the migration returns agreement between Iraq and the UK.
Farman Haji, a member of the group called the Dakok Organisation for Rights and Freedom, said Iraqi lives would be “in danger back home” if they were returned.
He added: “We want to save a thousand, thousand lives in UK … Iraqi people, to not send them back home. That is what we (are) here today for.”
Dakok is a registered charity in the UK which is intended to serve members of the Kurdish community living in Britain.
After the two leaders’ meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said the pair “reflected on the situation in the Middle East and emphasised the importance of supporting peace and stability across the region following recent developments in Syria”.
Sir Keir also welcomed the “expanding partnership” between the UK and Iraq and the announcement of the £12.3billion trade package.
No.10’s spokesperson said the two leaders discussed their intent to work towards a new and ambitious returns agreement between the UK and Iraq.
They added that Sir Keir and Mr Al Sudani welcomed the progress made on border security during Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s visit to Iraq in November.
According to the spokesperson, the two leaders also committed to working even more closely to disrupt people-smuggling networks.